Members Login

Date / Time

January 11 2013

Pierre, S.D. – State officials are cautioning travelers that heavy snowfall, accompanied by extremely high winds across western, central and northeast South Dakota, will create difficult driving conditions Friday afternoon through Saturday morning.

Southeast South Dakota will see dense fog during the day Friday and overnight into Saturday morning. Combined with high winds and cold temperatures, roadways may become ice covered.

The National Weather Service has said areas of western and central South Dakota can expect from three to eight inches of snowfall and will be accompanied by high winds with gusts up to 50 miles-per-hour and wind chills to 30 below zero.

This weather combination will create hazardous driving conditions with snow-packed and slippery roadways and near zero visibility, especially during the overnight hours. Drivers should be cautious of drifting, particularly in sheltered areas and at the ends of bridges.

Officials are encouraging motorists to move up travel plans to reach intended destinations during daylight hours.

“I strongly encourage people who must travel to visit www.safetravelusa.com or call 511 to check the latest road conditions and travel advisories before heading out,” said Kristi Sandal, public information officer for the Department of Transportation. “Keep in mind that visibility and road conditions can change rapidly as the storm passes through South Dakota.”

Travelers are reminded that SDDOT crews will plow until early evening hours as conditions allow. After that, winter maintenance will be suspended and will resume about 5 a.m. tomorrow morning, weather permitting.

People who must travel in affected areas of South Dakota are advised to slow down and drive with extreme caution.

If you must travel, the departments of Transportation and Public Safety recommend travelers also take the following steps.

Wear your seatbelt Travel during the day Drive with your headlights on (not daytime running lights) so you can be seen by other motorists from the front and rear Use highly traveled roads and highways Keep family and friends informed of your travel schedule and route Call 511 or visit safetravelusa.com for road conditions Keep a winter weather survival kit in your car. The kit should include blankets, warm clothing, water, energy bars, a flashlight, a distress flag, a shovel and matches Travel with a charged cell phone, but don’t rely on it to get you out of a bad situation

§ Change travel plans as weather conditions warrant

If you do get stranded:

§ Stay in your vehicle

Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes an hour to stay warm When the engine is running, open a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clearing snow from the exhaust pipe will also help prevent carbon monoxide buildup When it’s dark outside, turn on the interior light so rescuers can see you Put up a distress flag, or spread a large colored cloth on the ground to attract attention from rescuers